Friday, May 31, 2013

SHADES OF CELEDON





 

Celedon is one of those, "it can't get much better than nature" colors subject to lots of different shades.  For me, the most primary shade is that of cactus and various succulents so perfect for spring and southwest weddings.  Celedon also pairs up nicely with just about every color out there, especially other greens and pastels.  But what I love best about celedon is the pure visual calm it brings to any palette.
CREDITS
Top Photo: Celedon dress from the Juliet and Romeo Collection--Atelier Aimee
Photos 2 and 3: Burlap purse by Sew Ruby Moon /Necklace via Vintage Virtousa
Photo 4: Wearable Art Wedding Dress via Tumblr
Photos 5 and 6: Casual paper bag booms via Martha Stewart Weddings/Waverly Casablanca Celedon Dinnerware Set via Amazon
Photo7: Celedon dress via Tumblr
Photo 8: Shades of celedon room via Pinterest
Photos  8 and 9: Dress on mannequin via Tumblr/Celedon, aqua and black necklace via Anthropologie
Photo 10: Dress by Valentino spring/summer 2013
Photos 11 and 12: Celedon 'Crystal' vest via My Tuxedo Catalog / Celedon tie via Ties.com
Photo 13: Armani Prive via Tumblr
Photos 14 and 15Celedon glazed pottery via Tumblr/Celedon loose leaf tea cups via The All Travler Store
Photo 16: Mermaid dress by Katastrophic Design spring/summer 2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013

INVITATION ONLY

 

 


 I have yet more inspirations from The Jazz Age to share with you today.  When I first caught glimpse of these images from a stylized shoot by photographer, Dani Fine, they went up almost instantly.  
The inspiration for this shoot of course comes from the Gatsby era enjoying a big time style and fashion  revival.  The vision was to create scenes reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous work. Full of grandeur and historic character, The Society Room of Hartford served as the perfect venue providing architectural drama and elegant interiors. "We selected a rich jewel tone palette accented with silver and gold to create a majestic ambiance" says Dani. This was further accomplished by the luxurious details styled by Dani Fine Photography, Tony Palmieri of Datura: A Modern Garden, Geoffrey Ecker and Kia Martinson of General Eclectic. Palmieri also designed gorgeous arrangements and custom bouquets to compliment each look worn by the models. The Dani fine Photography team conceptualized, styled and photographed this remarkable shoot. Says Dani, "What really made this shoot unusual was the collaborative effort to source genuine antiques from this period. We wanted to underscore the luxury, excess and utter beauty of the time by incorporating some authentic pieces. General Eclectic was a terrific resource to that end. Additionally we also had an amazing vintage dress provided by Tova’s Vintage Shop and a myriad of lavish jewels and other accessories provided by a variety stylists and experts. Beth Chapman, fashion stylist and owner of White Dress by the Shore was the genius behind the sumptuous gowns, fantastic headpieces, magnificent antique jewelry and accessories. The fellas, outfitted by Enzo Valentino of Valentino Tailors wore traditional tuxedos and stroller suits characteristic of the 1920’s. The skilled cinematographers at Summerwind Wedding Films created a film short which truly exemplifies the legendary and fancy-free mood of the 1920’s. This was an amazing project from start to finish."
And if you want to actually see what this shoot looks like in motion while hearing a little drum-boogie jazz, here's a link to an incredible video of this shoot by Summerwind Films 

Credits
Photographer:  Dani. Fine Photography//Cake Designer: A Little Imagination Cakes//Models:Anastasia Mikhaleva, Jake Bodmer  and Brandon Dutch of John Casablancas// Kelsey Sidell of Maggie Inc/Model:Lexa Gluck
Lighting:Audio Media Solutions
Veils and headpieces:Bijou Van Ness
Fashion Designer: Carolina Amato 

Fashion Stylist:Beth Lindsey Chapman of White Dress by the Shore
Linens and Coverings: CLOTHCONNECTION//Floral Designer: Datura: a Modern Garden//Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan//Paper Props: Essentials//Heirlooms and extras: General Ecletic//Dress Designers: Ivy and Aster//Rivini
Makeup Artist: Larissa Lake Makeup Artist//
Jewelry:Maria Elena Headpieces/The Something Old Collection
Event Designer:Megan Alissa Glanville for Dani Fine Photography
Cinema and Video:Summerwind Wedding Films 
Dress Store: The White Dress by the shore//Dress Store: Tova's Vintage Shop//Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Valentino Tailors
Invitation Designer: Hartford Prints!//

Venue:  The Society Room of Hartford
Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

OPTICAL WHITE

Love that pure, clean look of optical white? I'm talking the screaming Mimi kind amped up to look like snow. Usually optical white is made out of man-made fibers like polyester but pure silk can be bleached. Some designers bleach already high sheen satins snow white to produce this bright effect, but is is right for you?  Typically this neon version of white looks stunning on darker skin tones--but not always. Believe me, there's nothing like actually stepping into the gown to find out.   All these dresses are by Spanish designer, Rosa Clara a true purist who sure knows how to work the bright whites.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

GETTING GATSBYED!

The past few weeks I've seen so many Gatsby-styled editorials out there on the wedding blogs, I'd swear we're all traveling back in time.  Some posts are magnificent but most I have to admit are overdone.   The point is, you want to form a complete look for yourself without piling the feather boa over too many sequins.  Whether you're recreating details of this particular era or mixing it up with other decades, your wedding look should reflect you and all that you love about fashion.

CREATING A GATSBY LOOK

*Have a passion for the era and really study it out.  If you watch shows like Boardwalk Empire or Downton Abbey, the costuming and set design in these productions is right on target.

*If you're trying to get as close as you can to authenticity and your hair is long, wear it in a styled chignon.  A hairstylist will know how to add those deep waves.  If your hair is short try to style it into a bob.  Again, a good hairstylist can Marcelle or style it to really look like you've been time traveling through the 1920s.  Also great hairstyling lays the perfect canvas for adding just the right headpiece or veil.  The model's hair in the picture below is actually quite long. Hairstylist, Kathi Rothkop of Salon Glam worked magic with it
* Veils and hats tended to be worn across or low on the forehead as in the image directly below.
* The 1920s was the decade of the dropped waist that sat either on the hips or fell into no waistline at all found in the shift and chemise styles.
*Concentrate on accessories that pull your look together like ropes of pearls you can tie, knotted or fringed shawls and cloche hats.
* Remember, this was an era when women's fashion finally reflected freedom from corsetry and heavy layering.  Heavy-duty bras and Spanx are fine if you really and truly need bust support and tummy control.  Otherwise, take a clue from your fashion forebears and free yourself.

* By all means seek out beautiful workmanship.  True, the standard 1920s silhouette didn't flatter every  woman's shape but it was an era known for incredible detailing on clothing like intricate smocking and hand embroidery, lace insets, pleats, draping, etc.

Monday, May 27, 2013

JASMINE AND NICK'S SOUTHWESTERN WEDDING

Swoon!  I'm loving all the elements and nuances of this wedding; it appeals to my own sense of aesthetic for something truly exclusive and truly exclusive it is!. Let's call this southwest meets Art Deco with a very special dash of intimacy created by Jasmine and Nick.  Shot at Hacienda Donna Andrea in Cerrillos, New Mexico, the magic of  the way photographer, Ashley Davis shoots a wedding never fails to fascinate.  Jasmine has my compliments here.  Her Jenny Packham dress says early 20th Century without all the camp that typically goes with anything jazz age or Gatsbyesque these days.  Absolutely in love with the understated elegance . . . ..
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
CREDITS
Photographer:  Ashley Davis Photography//Caterer: Marja Catering//Dress: by Jenny Packham / Groom’s Attire: Paul Smith // Venue: Hacienda Dona Andrea, Cerrillos, New Mexico / Flowers: Savon Wholesale Florists, Albuquerque, NM / Sage sticks for seating cards: from Ana Marie Salazar at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market / Invitations: Minted 
Submitted via Two Bright Lights